Finland and Latvia Earn Promotion as Matthew Smith Resigns from RFU Over Misogynistic Comments | WRR 250

Welcome to WRR 250 for June 8-14. Finland captured the Europe 7s Conference title in Andorra, dominating Latvia in the final as both squads secured promotion to the 2027 Trophy Series. Off the pitch, RFU council member Matthew Smith resigned following intense backlash over a misogynistic social media post targeting pundit Maggie Alphonsi. Down in New Zealand, domestic history was made during the Super Rugby Aupiki opening round when Matatū shattered competition records by drawing an unprecedented standalone crowd of nearly twelve thousand fans to witness their victory over Chiefs Manawa. Across the Atlantic, the Bay Breakers climbed to the top of the Women's Elite Rugby standings, while Ireland's Aoife Wafer capped off the week by securing back-to-back Player of the Championship honors in the Guinness Women's Six Nations.

🌍 Our global women's rugby news recap can be found at: https://scrumhalfconnection.com/2026/06/15/finland-and-latvia-earn-promotion-as-matthew-smith-resigns-from-rfu-over-misogynistic-comments-wrr-250/